After losing several defensive stalwarts off last season’s team, one of the main tasks for Washburn this spring was searching for candidates to step up and fill the void.

While the Ichabods will be a little more inexperienced on the defensive side, Washburn coach Craig Schurig is pretty sure they won’t be lacking for playmakers.

“We saw a lot of that all spring. They probably forced more turnovers than we’ve had in a bit,” Schurig said. “On defense, we have guys that have really good ball skills, and we’ve seen them make some nice interceptions and make some nice strips. I think the defense has done one of the better jobs I’ve seen of creating turnovers all throughout the spring.”

Washburn, which wrapped up spring practice with its Blue-White spring game on Saturday at Yager Stadium, will have to replace eight defensive starters, including inside linebacker Bryce Atagi and defensive end Cameron Jackson, who were both first-team All-MIAA selections last season.

Schurig said the WU coaches have been keeping a close eye on the inside linebacker position this spring. Washburn lost its top three inside linebackers — Atagi, Ryan Macken and Isaac Wright. Atagi led the team with 90 tackles and also had a team-high five interceptions last year.

“Bryce was such a key component for us last year, but guys like Cody Heiman and (Alec) Steuber and (Mark) Kolmer have really stepped in and done a great job. Those guys are really good athletes, and they'll add some speed and playmaking ability.”

Senior Calvin Kenney, who has 30 career starts at Washburn, will provide the Ichabods with some leadership at free safety.

“Calvin Kenney is a natural leader, and he does that by example, and our secondary is really following his lead,” Schurig said.

Defensive returners with starting experience also include cornerbacks Jordan Nelson and Dwayne Joseph and defensive lineman Tyler Ewy. Nelson and Ewy started all 11 games last season, while Joseph drew six starts.

Kenney said he’s encouraged by how the new-look defensive unit is shaping up.

“We have a lot of playmakers, a lot of athleticism,” he said. “Anyone is capable of making a big play at any time.

“I think we had a lot of guys improve and a lot of guys step up. We just have to keep it rolling."

QB PALMER TO CHALLENGE FOR PLAYING TIME — Schurig said senior quarterback Mitch Buhler will be the starter for the Ichabods for the third straight season, but sophomore Zeke Palmer could see playing time in certain situations.

Palmer, who led Bishop Carroll to a Class 5A state championship in 2012, transferred to WU after one season at Butler Community College.

“He’s got running ability and some physicality,” Schurig said. “I’m not looking to redshirt him. We’re looking to play him. I think he can add some things in certain series. I think there’s going to be times in the game where I’m going to need to get him in there."

WR BROWN OUT FOR 2014 — Senior receiver Tyrell Brown will miss this season and apply for a medical redshirt after tearing his ACL.

“It was kind of a downer,” Schurig said. “It was during our training stuff before we even started practice. But he’s got a great attitude about it, and he’ll be able to have his senior season in 2015.”

Other than Brown’s injury, Schurig said the Ichabods have managed to stay relatively healthy throughout the spring.